James was the only child of the late James and Mary Margaret Johnston. He was a graduate of Notre Dame High School Class of 1958, and received his Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Chattanooga. He dedicated 44 years of his life to education as a beloved teacher of Chattanooga City Schools and Walker County Schools. He was also a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Basilica and the Alpha Society.
Survivors include his wife, Teresa Searcy Johnston; two daughters, Elizabeth Johnston Jackson and Margaret Johnston Carpenter; five grandchildren; two step-children, Sharon Elizabeth Silvey and Michael A. Holbrook; and seven step-grandchildren.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 3 PM on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at The Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul, 214 E. Eighth St., Chattanooga, TN 37402. Father Colin Blatchford will officiate.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist. 404 South Moore Road.
